Huerquehue National Park

Huerquehue National Park is a nature reserve in the foothills of the Andes, featuring ancient Araucaria forests, clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. The terrain is mountainous with different forest zones at various elevations, along with several lakes distributed throughout the park.

The area was first protected in 1912 under a different name with a much larger extent. It received its present designation as Huerquehue National Park in 1967 with a significantly reduced area.

The name comes from the Mapudungun language and means 'place of messengers', showing how the local indigenous communities understand the forest as a living communication space. The Araucaria trees here are so ancient that people passing through them feel connected to centuries of indigenous knowledge and presence.

Visitors can reach the park through nearby Pucón, which has camping and lodging options in several zones. The best time to explore is during warmer months when trails are easily accessible and the lakes invite swimming.

The park contains ancient Araucaria trees that can live over 3,000 years, making them among the oldest living beings on the continent. It is also home to rare animals like the world's smallest deer species and the Chiloé marsupial, perfectly adapted to the cold mountain climate.